Serum lipoprotein (a) as an atherosclerosis risk factor in men with androgenic alopecia

Background: The association between coronary artery disease and androgenic alopecia has been demonstrated, but few studies have focused on the mechanism of this association. The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid profile in male pattern alopecia. Methods: In this case control study, 45 male patients with androgenic alopecia who were aged from 20 to 50 years and 45 men with a normal hair status aged from 20 to 50 years were enrolled as the case and control groups, respectively. Lipid parameters including cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B were measured in cases and controls. Results: A significant difference in serum lipoprotein (a) was observed between case and control groups (p< 0.001). We noted that 47.1 percent of the patients and 17.96% of the controls had a lipoprotein (a) level more than 30 mg/dl which is a critical level for coronary artery disease. There was no significant difference in other lipid parameters between two groups. The family history of androgenic alopecia and coronary heart disease was significantly higher in the cases than the controls. Conclusion: Considering the results of the study and the important role of lipoprotein (a) as a risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease, we suggest that all men with a male pattern hair loss should be investigated for lipid indices, especially lipoprotein (a).